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International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)

e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 12 Issue: 12 | Dec 2025

p-ISSN: 2395-0072

www.irjet.net

Design and Implementation of IoT-Based Solar Tracking System Prof. S. K. Ambulkar1, Dharati Tarar2, Sahili Gabhane3, Utkarsha Thaware4, Vaibhavi Motghare5 1,2,3,4,5 Department of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Karmaveer Dadasaheb Kannamwar College of

Engineering Nagpur, India. ----------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------

Abstract - To increase the efficiency of photovoltaic

regions. Dual-axis trackers, on the other hand, move both horizontally and vertically, capturing more sunlight and delivering higher efficiency in different locations.

(PV) panels, this study presents the design and development of a dual-axis solar tracking system based on Arduino. Traditional fixed solar panels are less energy efficient overall because they only produce their maximum power during a few hours of the sun's rays. The suggested system uses Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) to detect the amount of sunlight and an Arduino Uno microcontroller to process the signals to solve this problem. The solar panel is oriented both horizontally and vertically by means of servo motors, which guarantee that it faces the sun all day long. The system is a realistic, economical, and sustainable method of utilizing solar energy because it is built for realtime responsiveness, dependability, and resistance to environmental influences. By providing a simple but efficient tracking mechanism, this work advances solar power technology and highlights its potential for broad use in both residential and commercial settings.

Studies have shown clear benefits. Single-axis trackers can boost energy production by 10–25%, while dualaxis systems can achieve 27–50% or more, depending on their design and environment. Most modern systems use Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) to detect sunlight, along with servo motors and microcontrollers such as the Arduino Uno to keep the panels precisely aligned in real time. Some advanced systems even combine sensor-based tracking with scheduled movement and monitoring tools like LabVIEW for smarter control.

Keywords: Dual-axis solar tracker, Arduino Uno, Photovoltaic panels, Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs), Servo motors, Renewable energy, Energy efficiency.

Beyond improving panel performance, solar tracking systems also make solar energy more cost-effective, sustainable, and quicker to pay back on investment. As the world pushes for greener technologies and reduced carbon emissions, automatic solar trackers are emerging as a key part of the future, helping bridge the gap between the potential of solar energy and its real-world use.

1. INTRODUCTION

2. Literature Survey

The use of renewable energy sources has increased due to the world's expanding energy needs, worries about the depletion of fossil fuels, and environmental damage. Because it is plentiful, clean, and sustainable, solar energy is one of the most promising substitutes among these. However, the fixed orientation of photovoltaic (PV) panels frequently limits their efficiency, allowing maximum power generation only when the sun is perpendicular to the panel surface. Due to the sun's constant movement across the sky, fixed panels are less effective overall because they are unable to capture the best amount of sunlight throughout the day.

1. LDR-based Single-Axis Tracker with Fuzzy Logic Control Authors: Sharma et al. Year: 2023 Publication: International Journal of Renewable Energy Research Key Highlights: Method: Used Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) for sunlight detection, combined with fuzzy logic-based control for a single-axis solar tracker. Advantages: Low-cost sensing mechanism, relatively simple to implement, suitable for small-scale PV systems. Disadvantages: Sensitive to dirt, shadows, and cloudy weather, which reduces accuracy. Performance: Achieved about 15–20% more energy compared to fixed-tilt panels. Impact: Demonstrated the effectiveness of fuzzy logic for improving tracking response but highlighted the need

To solve the limitations of fixed solar panels, engineers have developed solar tracking systems that automatically adjust the position of panels to follow the sun’s path. The first trackers appeared in the 1980s and were mainly used for large-scale projects. However, with advances in microcontrollers, sensors, and motors, solar trackers have become more affordable and practical, making them suitable for homes and businesses as well.

for robust sensors in real-world conditions. 2. Single-Axis Tracker with Encoder Feedback and PID Control

Solar trackers are generally divided into two types: single-axis and dual-axis. Single-axis trackers tilt the panels in one direction, which works well in tropical

Impact Factor value: 8.315

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